Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
