Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline 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, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
