Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury 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, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' 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.
