Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
