Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
