Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys 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 leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
