Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game 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 half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
