Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
