Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs 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 Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow 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 competition.
