Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
