Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
