Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - 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 practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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.
