Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
