Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies 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 came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "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 skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects 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 Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
