Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
