Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
