Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
