Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
