Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
