Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit 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 understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
