Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture 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 the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
