Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing 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 offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
