Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
