Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has 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 Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
