Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
