Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"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."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
