Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
