Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
