Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. 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. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow 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.
