Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those 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 following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - 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 many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
