Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
