Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural 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's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
