Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
