Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
