Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
