Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
