Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
