Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
