Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
