Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
