Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
