Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
