Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
