Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
