Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
