Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
