Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
