Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars 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 is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
