Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
