Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas 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 is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
