Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
