Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying 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 Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
