Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players 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 guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
