Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
