Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
