Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 duty.
