Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
