Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy 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 is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
