Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "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.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe 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 leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - 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.
