Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot 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 captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
