Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
