Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
