Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
