Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
