Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"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 offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
