Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, 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 you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
