Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 international duty.
