Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot 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 flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
