Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
