Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
