Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
