Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. 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. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
