Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
