Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker 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 match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
