Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
