Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "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 flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
