Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
