Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
