Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
