Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
