Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
