Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
