Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow 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 competition.
