Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.