Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
