Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
