Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
