Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
