Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
