Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars 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 competition.
