Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes 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 quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
