Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot 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 skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
