Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
