Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
