Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.