Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, 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 performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal 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 reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
