Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed 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 Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
