Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
