Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
