Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even 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 don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured 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 - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
