Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view 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 is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
