Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured 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 competition.
