Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
