Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
