Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
