Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
