Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
