Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's 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 continental competition.
