Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
