Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
