Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
