Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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.
