Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
