Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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 reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
