Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
