Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling 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 among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen 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 insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, 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 job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
