Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
