Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
