Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
