Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
