Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to 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 urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
