Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies 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 noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
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.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many 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 true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
