Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
