Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
