Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced 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 urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view 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 leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
