Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
