Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
