Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 duty.
