Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader 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 not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
