Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
