Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
