Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
