Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
