Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
