Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
