Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed 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 Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
