Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
