Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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.
