Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
