Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
