Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.