Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize 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 think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
