Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
