Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes 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."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
