Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say 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 upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
