Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
