Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. 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 leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
