Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy 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 constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
