Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
