Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
