Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
