Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
