Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars 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 international competition.
