Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
