Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," 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 Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured 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 international duty.
