Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
