Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still 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 mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
