Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
