Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
