Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
