Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
