Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
