Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
