Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players 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 international competition.
