Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
