Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
