Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
