Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand 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 right time to change.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
