Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad 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 leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
