Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
