Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
