Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
