Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
