Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow 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 among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He 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 constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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 competition.
