Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
