Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
