Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four 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 season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
