Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow 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 be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view 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 anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a 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 speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
