Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
