Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
