Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment 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 sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
