Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
