Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player 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 bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
