Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
