Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
