Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off 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 clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
