Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
