Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes 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 position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
