Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming 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 exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
