Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
