Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured 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 insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
