Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
