Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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 Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.