Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership 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 observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. 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 strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
