Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"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 think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
