Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international duty.
