Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
