Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
