Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
