Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
