Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
