Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"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 offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
