Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
