Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch 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 leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
