Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star 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 player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
