Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
