Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
