Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow 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.
