Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
