Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
