Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
