Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
