Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
