Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
