Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance 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 not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
