Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
