Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a 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's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
