Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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 match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
