Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
