Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "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 use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline 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 duty.
