Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public 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 wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
