Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
