Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
