Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
