Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
