Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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 natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
