Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury 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, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
