Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
