Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"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 observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
