Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"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 watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
