Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view 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 is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
