Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
