Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
