Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
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 monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
