Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
