Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
