Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"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 Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
