Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly 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 positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects 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 Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
