Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
