Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
