Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
