Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
