Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
