Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
