Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific 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, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
