Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
