Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses 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 criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects 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 leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
