Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - 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 many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
