Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "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.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
