Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
