Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
