Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
