Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
