Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
