Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
