Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players 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 expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
