Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
