Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
