Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
