Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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 continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
