Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
