Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges 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 playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
