Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural 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 communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. 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 leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
