Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
