Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
