Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
