Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date 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 continental duty.
