Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"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
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
