Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
