Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
