Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - 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 duty.
