Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "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 bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
