Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players 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 anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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 competition.
