Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
