Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable 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 is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
