Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
