Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having 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, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name 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 hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
