Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things 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 Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
