Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
