Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
