Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
