Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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 international duty.
