Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing 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 offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
