Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
