Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
