Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
