Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
