Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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.
