Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit 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 reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
