Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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 understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow 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 continental competition.
