Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
