Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock 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, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
