Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
