Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
