Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable 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 leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
