Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
