Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"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 constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - 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 competition.
