Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
