Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury 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 understood to be urging his boss 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 no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
