Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
