Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
