Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering 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 vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 international duty.
