Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
