Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players 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 competition.
