Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
