Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably 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 insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
