Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
