Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
