Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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 providing guidance.
"The guy 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
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 unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
