Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," 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 Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players 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 duty.
