Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
