Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
