Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
