Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way 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 lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
