Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
