Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
