Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
