Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
