Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other 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 international competition.
