Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
