Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
