Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
