Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, 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 entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
