Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
