Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured 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 international duty.
