Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
