Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
