Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
