Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
