Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
