Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
