Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
