Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
