Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
