Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
