Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
