Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
