Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad 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 system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured 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 competition.
