Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
