Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance 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 while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
