Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players 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 continental duty.
