Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
