Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
