Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
