Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
