Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
