Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
