Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
