Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured 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 duty.
