Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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 Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
