Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars 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 anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international duty.
