Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall 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 better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars 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 leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
