Boss Ruben Amorim says 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 formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
