Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But 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 likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
