Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
