Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.