Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
