Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
