Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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.
