Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
