Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
