Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
