Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look 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 excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes 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 position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
