Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects 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 training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
