Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
