Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
