Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering 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 silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
