Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails 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 miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players 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 international duty.
