Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
