Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
