Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
