Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
