Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
