Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen 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 continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
