Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline 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 international competition.
