Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other 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 continental duty.
