Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
