Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins 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, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view 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 expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
