Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
