Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
