Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
