Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of 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."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
