Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
