Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
