Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
