Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total 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 among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players 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.
