Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact 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, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
