Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
