Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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 insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
