Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
