Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
