Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
