Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
