Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe 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 born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
