Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups 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 stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
