Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
