Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
