Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
