Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
