Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
