Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
