Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right 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 fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
