Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, 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 carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
