Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
