Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
