Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
