Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 continental competition.
