Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch 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 is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
