Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
