Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
