Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
