Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
