Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
