Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
