Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
