Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
