Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
