Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
