Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
