Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players 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 expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
