Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
