Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
