Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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.
