Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact 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," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
