Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
