Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
