Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover 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, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, 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 is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
