Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
