Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
