Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
