Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit 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 understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
