Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
