Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
