Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
