Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
