Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
