Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
