Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players 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 expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
