Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
