Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
