Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
