Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe 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 leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
