Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
