Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
