Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return 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. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
