Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing 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 formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
