Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws 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 rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
