Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
