Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
