Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase 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 miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
