Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
