Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule 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 unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
