Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
