Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting 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."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
