Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
