Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. 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 Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
