Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
