Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
