Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
