Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"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 offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
