Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen 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 continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
