Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow 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 duty.
