Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
