Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
