Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
