Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
