Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why 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 heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
