Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
