Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even 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 position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
