Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
