Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
