Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
