Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
