Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - 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.
