Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
