Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
