Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
