Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
