Head coach 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 moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those 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 hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.