Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch 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 expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
