Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable 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 continental competition.
