Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things 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 rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
