Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
