Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
