Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
