Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
