Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
