Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable 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.
