Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "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 skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of 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 true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
