Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy 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 offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
