Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing 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 believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy 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 constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.