Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
