Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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.
"He is a 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 skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
