Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
