Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
