Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
