Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, 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 outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
