Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
