Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
