Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
