Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
