Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. 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 positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured 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 competition.
