Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
