Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars 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 competition.
