Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
