Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star 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 pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
