Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
