Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
