Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following 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."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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.
