Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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 born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
