Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
