Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
